All Blacks ready to copy Boks' controversial Bomb Squad tactic

All Blacks ready to copy Boks’ controversial Bomb Squad tactic

The Springboks’ status as rugby’s leading innovators and trendsetters has been amplified by the All Blacks’ admission that they’re considering the use of a Bomb Squad.

Springboks v All Blacks Haka Chasing The Sun

The Springboks stare down the All Blacks during the Haka. Image: Via SA Rugby.

Head coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that using the controversial ‘Bomb Squad’ tactic is an option for his All Blacks side in the coming Test season.

Under the leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks have become renowned for employing unique tactics, and quite famously (or infamously) using a 6-2 or 7-2 forwards-to-backs split on the bench – commonly known as the ‘bomb squad’.

It has drawn some criticism from certain quarters, with former Scotland coach Matt Williams – who has been outspoken against the use of this tactic – repeatedly hitting out at World Rugby for continuing to allow the use of a bench with this configuration.

Although Williams has reiterated that the blame was not being levelled at the Springboks for using a ‘legal’ tactic, he has strangely suggested the bomb squad ‘discriminates against backs’ and is effectively a safety issue.

Certain pundits, media and current Test head coaches have also criticised the tactic, with Scotland boss Gregor Townsend voicing his displeasure over the ability to effectively replace a whole pack of forwards.

But there are various teams who have begun to deploy a forwards-dominated bench, with the most recent one being France in the Six Nations. The tactic worked well for Le Bleus, as they went onto clinch the title, ahead of England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and Wales.

And now – according to reports – New Zealand are considering selecting a 7-1 bench on their own for the upcoming Test season (comprising of the mid-year international window, the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tours to Europe).

ALL BLACKS BIG BOSS BACKS BOMB SQUAD

“It’s in the laws. The first thing to be clear is, ‘is it alright?’ Well, it’s right because it’s in the laws, so you can do it,” Robertson told the Rugby Direct podcast.

“The way teams play, especially now, and the fatigue that comes in the games – the impacts and the contacts that forwards have are so high – so they’ve got an immediate effect on the game.

“Especially after half-time, when you can bring on an extra loose forward, it makes a massive difference,” the All Blacks coach added.

“You look at it, we’ve considered it ourselves, but we believed it wasn’t quite right for us, but it’s working and they’re innovative. You’ve got to keep an eye on that trend so it’s definitely an option.”